Zamaera Pours All Of Her Fire, Passion, Dedication, And Skill Into Her Latest EP

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Opinion Editorial

A few weeks ago, I was invited to preview Zamaera’s new EP at TGV One Utama, showcasing a new direction, expanded musical ability, and more refined prowess of rap, and from the looks of her trajectory, seem to not all be just words in the wind. ‘Wanita’ proved to be a musically empowering bop, a far cry from the early days of ‘Helly Kelly’, and Z vs Z gave us an insight into a fragile bubble of interpersonal thoughts, growth, both in the musical sense, and personal. Like the local saying, ‘bagai menatang minyak yang penuh,’ she’s carefully charted her course on where she plans to end up to, and her direction hits closer to the target with every new song release.

Naturally then, I had absolutely no idea what I was expecting as I stepped into the hall with a faint background of a stage at the forefront, really unprepared for what’s about to happen next. Of course, for this portion, visuals would be a lot more interesting to look at than a description of the fact that there was a mini live band assisting Zamaera as she passionately performs her EP in front of a roaring crowd of 15 media representatives, but what I gathered after sitting through the hour in the back seat as emotions rose and fall, lyrics ebbed and flowed, I was absolutely gobsmacked, shocked, stricken by the Zamaera’s lyrical ability; fierce, and then filled with the softness of soul, all in the span of 5 songs.

Zamaera during her EP launch. Photo Credit: Syok

It’s no secret that she flew to Chicago to record her EP with the help of a group of multi-talented people that provided a foundation for her to stand upon. Speaking about her journey to the USA, “I was signed to Lakefront’s Artist Development Program which was curated by my music director Jingles Jhingoree in June 2017. It was meant to last for 2 years but sometime in March of 2018, the label told me that I would be going to the US in May to record my EP album. Naturally, I was ecstatic but was even more overjoyed after the announcement of who I’d be working with. The Matt Jones Orchestra has worked with some very notable people e.g PJ Morton, Jessie J, John Legend, etc. So to have that at the back of my head whilst entering the recording studio and being introduced to them for the first time was a mixture of heart-palpitations and whirlwind breezes that spun my head in excitement. I was a little anxious and wondered if I would feel like a total stranger, a fish out of water, but once I stepped into the room, it felt like I belonged. If any one of us was not in that room, it felt like it would be incomplete and just that feeling alone, of adding to the wholesomeness with these extremely talented and experienced musicians, was an indescribable one.”

And that level of belonging carried over into the production of her songs. To create Z The EP, Zamaera put a mirror in front of her, a reflection of a central theme that the EP revolves around: Growth. “When I wrote the concept of the EP album, I started with a theme ; Growth & Progression. I reflected on the aspects of my life which had very obvious changes such as my personal growth, consciousness & belief and love.”

“At that time, the genius producer of this album, Floyd “Timeless” Thomas (which I had not met before) was talking to me via email in discussing what I wanted to lyrically present. He was responsible for drafting the music and when he sent it back to me, I was in such awe because the music was sonically representative of the story I had pictured in my head. I mean everything happened so naturally, without forced energies or pretense. So commonly when I work with a new producer, sometimes the relationship doesn’t necessarily blend well together but Floyd always told me that we have is that of Quincy (Jones) & Michael (Jackson).”

The highlight of the EP is ‘Truth,’ a songs that speaks about truth, honesty within one’s self, and how many things come together in order to search for its meaning. “There’s more to life than the news feeds//Tell me do you feel the pain when other people too bleed//Tell me do you feel the hunger even if you spoon fed//The money that you makin mean nothin when you dead” Zamaera carries it with so much emotional weight that you can almost feel the burden on your shoulders as she continues on questioning in an existential capacity, about progress, about religion, about being kind, and whether she’s doing enough. The delivery is so effortless, drawing upon reservoirs upon reservoirs of penned up thoughts, fears, hopes, that it flows so beautifully in a span of 4 minutes, intensified by string backing that harmonises with the grand piano to deliver one hell of an emotional kamehameha.

Z The EP is absolutely fantastic in every sense of the word, nuff said. The 29th March release date could not arrive soon enough.

 

What Type Of Backpack Suits You?

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Written by Sean Ho

The backpack. One of the most quintessential items on any urban roamer’s list, that stems from a purely functional perspective, and has now expanded into countless other types and uses that you’ll be hard-pressed to research on them all. What type of sizes do you need? What materials should I go for? Is this heavy on my wallet? Whether you’re a student, outdoor adventurer, or simply just wanting for extra compartment storage, scroll down as I’ve listed down a few types of backpacks to suit your personality and lifestyle.

The Basics

Regardless of whether you’re lugging plenty of weight or not, a backpack is nigh-on essential to any city dweller nowadays, almost as important as having a phone. For the one with no frills who just want to use the bag as it is, Eastpak is a good place to start.  This American label certainly knows a thing or two, as after all, they’ve been in the game for 65 odd years, producing various types of bags and packs for the military. No fancy materials, no hidden pockets. Just keeping it basic with two compartments. Priced around the mid hundreds (in ringgit), It gets the job done, no questions asked.

Alternatively, Jansport offers the same formula with slightly more premium materials, including their signature suede leather bottom and a laptop sleeve for a true all day pack. Prices are a bit steeper though. Starting at around RM 499, it can be a worthwhile investment if you have the cash to spare.

The Adventurous

For an adventure junkie, it is an essential that you own a good high quality backpack that will withstand intense wear and tear. There are many types out in the market that suits your requirements, but a trusted brand to tap into is North Face, with their base camp duffle bag packs, featuring a ballistic nylon material for expeditions around the globe. As a response to uncertain weather, this backpack’s construction is water resistant as well. If you’re in the mood on splurging some money, try have a look into Arc’teryx. Prices are slightly steep; a bagpack will roughly cost around RM800 – RM1000, though they some good selection that’s not only stylish, but multi-functional. A tip to look for is a watertight zipper to keep moisture out.

The High End

I have a thing for finely crafted backpacks, especially since the quality and workmanship is on a whole different level altogether. That being said though, some are ridiculously pricey, but there are a few ones worth noting a stare. Brands like Prada don’t just make good quality clothing but backpacks as well. This rucksack is one of it, serving function without sacrificing form. However, it comes at a hefty price tag of RM 6300. 

If you’re a bit reluctant to spend that cash, the Coach Bleecker is an excellent alternative, retailing just below RM 3000.

The Practical

Herschel is the go to brand when it come to a practical backpacks. Founded in 2009 and have been making timeless bag packs ever since. Known for its classic models, the Pop Quiz backpack and the Little America. This bag’s build is insane, I’ve personally have used the Little America throughout my high school and college years, and it’s pleasantly surprising to see how well they hold up. Really, the ultimate practical backpack that doesn’t burn a hole in the pocket in my opinion.

Another contender if your budget range is a bit higher would be the Porter line of bags. Featuring the brand’s proprietary Tanker nylon, Porter bags can take a beating, yet still remain sleek and understated when it needs be. Just be prepared to splash a little bit of cash to get one.

 

Jordan Adds Removable Swooshes To The ‘Air Max 1’ Styled Air Jordan 3

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

Feature image: Sneaker Freaker, Other images: Nike

Removable Swooshes were a huge thing when Travis Scott’s Air Force One was released, giving users the options to interchange the checks, or simply add to them. Now, Jordan Brand has carried this feature over to the Air Jordan 3 Tinker Hatfield, with another Easter Egg thrown into the mix.

Upon closer inspection, you’ll come to notice that the colour blocking doesn’t resemble any Air Jordan 3 at all, rather following another one of Tinker’s famous silhouettes, the Air Max 1. The theme too is kept throughout the shoe with hits of light bone, accented by a grey outsole, much like the original colour of the Air Max 1.

As with the Tinker Hatfield edition of the Air Jordan 3, Tinker’s signature is present on the underside of the tongue, and comes with 4 colours of removable swooshes, including Red, White, Grey, and the timeless Elephant Print. Nike stitching is present on the medial side of the heel collar, and an option of 3 laces are given as well. The silhouette wraps up with Nike Air branding on the back which also includes a Nike Air hangtag.

The Air Jordan 3 TH SP releases on the 20th of March on Nike.com for a price of approximately RM 812. Why have one when you can have 3 shoes all in one?

Highborn’s Newest Collection Puts Malaysians At Heart

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Written by Cheong Jane-Menn

Created in acknowledgement of the higher calling that every individual has in their lives, Highborn is a local streetwear label that focuses its attention on identity and individualism. Starting its journey two years ago, the label has produced multiple collections which focuses on minimalism and bold text that lay themselves seamlessly over relaxed silhouettes.

Following the overwhelming response of the release of their previous “Malaysian At Heart” collection, comes a sequel under their new diffusion line, Highborn Lab.

As our country enters a new age, the collection’s revival features a T-shirt in new colourways, a reflective sweatshirt and a tote bag. With “Malaysian At Heart” printed in serif font on the front, the shirt’s minimal fore is contrasted with an anatomical heart illustration printed on the back. Growing out the heart’s four main vessels are four stems of the Malaysian national flower, the Bunga Raya.

The design stemmed from the feeling of longing to be home, as founder, Chris Yap had felt when Malaysia Day approached, and he found himself abroad. Linking the feeling of homesickness and a sense of patriotism, he collaborated illustrator, Ming Li, his then classmate for the design. The two joined forces to explore the idea of the heart as something that represents a part of us and the flowers as something we hold close to our hearts – being Malaysian.

The collection is now available on https://thehighborn.co/ with prices ranging from RM49.00 to RM189.00.

 

Announced: Here’s The Line Up For Good Vibes Festival 2019

Posted by & filed under Events, Music.

Including An Eclectic Mix Of Daniel Caesar, Dean, Yaeji, and San Holo

Malaysia’s biggest music festival returns, and in comes in with a more eclectic mix compared to last year’s line up. Roster for the First Act include headliners Rae Sremmurd, combining a set of R&B smoothness with hard hitting beats from the likes of Powerglide, and their most popular club hit, Black Beatles.

Soul heavyweight Daniel Caesar comes on board to serenade the crowd to the entire album of Freudian, with tracks like Get You, Japanese Denim, Best Part, and Hold Me Down. Joining this ensemble is Cigarettes After Sex, who’s visiting Kuala Lumpur for the second time after his massively successful solo gig at The Bee a few months back. Downtempo electronic hero Cashmere Cat who has produced for Ariana Grande, and Kanye West comes on along with Grammy award winning producer, Mura Masa. Not forgetting 88Rising’s Korean underdog, Yaeji, who has been spinning in various boiler room sessions across the USA as well as putting out sublime mellowed hip-hop tracks.

Not forgetting too the selection of local artists on offer. Allester Shaun, fresh from the release of Sweet Babycakes comes on to get the crowd moving. Dizkopolis provides a more upbeat alternative with waves of new disco and electronic dance music, and OGs Goldfish and Jhin join forces to bring the Next Order.

Early bird tickets will be available on the 25th of March, with the general public releasing the next day on the 26th at their website. Are you excited for the line up?

The Nike Air Max 720 Is A Really Rather Good Shoe I WDHANFTSY

Posted by & filed under Sneakers, TV.

Nike’s Air Max Day contribution includes pushing everything to the limits of what Air can do, and we can tell you first hand that the marketing jibber jabber behind its latest model, the 720, is all true. Watch the video and see Julian ‘Sunflower’ Leong and Bryan ‘Botak’ Chin breakdown on why Nike chose the moniker 720, investigating its tallest Air unit yet, and completely failing at performing the Thai accent.

And in conjunction with Air Max Day, we’ve teamed up with Hundred% to giveaway TWO pairs of Air Max 720! Below are the steps on how to win a pair:

1) Follow @massesmy and @hundredpercentmy on Instagram

2) Like the post on Instagram

3) Comment your most memorable Air Max story

Winners will be contacted on Air Max Day, or on the 26th of March, 2019.

A$AP Nast’s Jack Purcell Mid Is Getting A Very Near Release Date

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

Written by Sean Ho

Nast and Converse go way back. While having previously collaborated with Converse for a One Star model, it stretches way beyond into his childhood, as he grew up wearing Chucks and has stuck with him ever since.

Now, coming into the 2nd round, the Harlem native has decided to give his own personal touch to the Jack Purcell, giving it a mid-cut complete with a black rubber outsole. Working with Converse footwear designers Julian Guzman and Matt Sleep to give the silhouette a more utilitarian vibe as a homage to his love for the outdoors. This is achieved through a heightening of the shoe’s rubber overlays, which adds dimension and durability to the heritage canvas upper.

“The silhouette is functional, durable. It’s intriguing. I wanted to craft a style that could be worn every day,” says Nast.

Two colours make the collection, “Pumpkin Spice,” and “Beechnut,” mixing natural colours together to reflect the colours of a temperate climate.

The collection also includes  two crew sweatshirts, sweatpants, and a set of vintage wordmark t-shirts.

The A$AP Nast x Converse will be releasing on the 22nd of March, at Crossover online (23rd at Crossover Sunway) and retailing at approximately RM407.

Elon Musk Gets His Own Custom Air Jordan 1 ‘Tesla’

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

It’s not often we see a Silicon Valley darling gets up into the sneaker game, but when they do, you can bet it’s going to break the news a little, just as we saw when Elon Musk donned a pair of Air Jordan 1 ‘Tesla’ during the unveiling of his Model Y car.

The pair was initially conceived for Musk by a close friend, who called up LA sneaker customizer De Marco Customs to create a special pair for the entrepreneur. No expense was spared either, as the Air Jordan 1 employs python leather, pony hair, and Horween Leather Shell Cordovan for the toebox, complete with a laser cut Tesla logo stitched into it. The silhouette is finished in a ‘bred’ theme, featuring a red swoosh, outsole, and logo. the pair is finished with black leather laces.

Upon closer inspection, the T on the toebox doesn’t look particularly well cut, as irregularities mar the otherwise brilliant finishing.

But for now, take a closer look at the 1-of-1 custom. Would you cop if these went on sale?

Adidas Is Dropping The Game Of Thrones Ultraboosts Soon

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

The final season of Game Of Thrones is upon us, with fans of the show eager to see who will finally end up sitting on top of the Iron Throne after 8 years of chaos, sex, and intense gore. As a celebratory gesture to the coming end of a great series, Adidas has teamed up to create 6 iterations of the Ultraboosts inspired by six of the show’s most prominent characters, including Night’s Watch, the White Walkers, House Targaryen, the Targaryen’s dragons, House Stark, and House Lannister, all with their own corresponding colour schemes reflecting each of the pivotal figureheads.

Other special details include Game Of Thrones insoles, tag on the heel as well as a house specific detail underneath the tongue in the form of a phrase or a crest.

No performance enhancements have been made, the Ultraboost stillremains as it is, complete with a Primeknit upper, Torsion beam, and a full-length Boost sole. Prices are set at RM850 a pair, and only 2 colours are made available for now, in ‘House Lannister’ and ‘House Targaryen’ guise. The Adidas Ultraboost X Game Of Thrones will be releasing on Friday, 22nd March at 8AM at Adidas.com.

Pastel Lite Taps Yuna To Conceptualise Ethereal In Their New Masa Kita MV

Posted by & filed under Music.

It’s been a good 2 years since Balada came out, Pastel Lite’s debut EP chronicling fragility in human relationships in a dream like space conceived to propagate an ethereal sense through time and space. And this concept especially shines with their hit song, ‘Masa Kita,’ detailing the verge of a break up, and the sequence of thoughts as one becomes two, drifting away with only vague memories to hold on to as both disengage from the parallel and head off in different directions.

And with Yuna’s help, the duo have only managed to blossom their concept fully that encapsulates the feeling, and translate it to pure, visual aesthetics.

Utilising a Super8 camera, Yuna spliced some shots of Los Angeles and overlaid the film with takes of Eff and Faliq surrounded by fauna, a representation of the happy times that they had, ignoring the other side through rose-tinted glasses. Watch the video above to be fully encapsulated by the magic of ‘Masa Kita.’